DRDO to develop new bunkers

Soldiers sitting in their bunkers in snow-clad Siachen will get to feel sea waves, chirping of birds and winds passing through forests, as part of a DRDO project to break the monotonous environment and sense of isolation faced by them in the world’s highest battlefield.
As part of its efforts to provide troops with “enriched environment” at isolated locations, the DRDO has started working on “Project Dhruv” to develop new bunkers to tackle various forms of psychological issues and depression among them. “Project Dhruv is aimed at environment enrichment within the shelter. This is one of the components for removing his stress in such isolated and forward areas,” said W Selvamurthy, DRDO Chief Controller, Life Sciences.

Such measures will help jawans cope with the stress induced by their monotonous surroundings and help in creating a lively atmosphere within the bunkers, he said.

The study will be completed in one year and will provide concrete results to move forward, Selvamurthy added.

The DRDO has taken a slew of measures to tackle depression among soldiers, which in recent past had led to various incidents of suicides and fratricides in the armed forces.

The premier defence research agency is planning to use state-of-art technology for the purpose and will equip the bunkers with some of the most modern amenities to ensure a better living for the jawans.

Deccan Heald